1997 Dodge Neon Sport

Summary:

Good car,

Faults:

The alignment was messed up when I bought the car. Since then the brakes have been shot, the engine light was on, yet the mechanic couldn't figure out why then it went out on its own, and has been fine since. And the power locks have stopped working.

General Comments:

It's a good car, quite fast, doesn't speed up very well from a stop, but when you get the neon going it fly's. good economical car =)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th August, 2003

1997 Dodge Neon 2.0 DOHC

Summary:

A good car with sealing problems

Faults:

I got breaks and shocks replaced after I bought it.

The first major repair was the catalytic converter at 78,000 miles.

I have had problems with water leaks. The rear seat wells filled up with water after driving in a hard rain. I found some vents above the wheels in the trunk that the water was getting into. A tube of silicone sealant over the vents and around the tail lights (just to be safe) took care of that.

I have had two radios stolen because the windows push out so easily. There is no door frame above the glass (not a good design).

The two rubber window guides inside the driver door have worn and I get a lot of wind noise.

General Comments:

The overall performance has been good.

The car starts every time, I have not needed any engine or transmission work.

Good acceleration and speed.

I put on 1000 miles going to Minnesota and back for the weekend and there were no problems other than a run away hub cap.

Sharp looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2003

1997 Dodge Neon SOHC - Coupe

Summary:

P.O.S. on wheels. Not worth piss to to put out a fire in it

Faults:

Lost head gasket @ 50k. Had to get it milled and total engine overhaul. $1600

Transmission broke 7 times during 'Service contract'. Now I'm out of contract.. and it is broken again. $600 estimate in hand.

Air Conditioning went @ 25k, 35k, and 50k.

This car was my first.. and last dodge.. hell.. Chrysler product. Never again. Run away. Run far far away. Buy something from japan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2003

1997 Dodge Neon R/T 2.0 DOHC I4

Summary:

The king of the non-turbo sport compacts

Faults:

The head gasket went out at 45,000 miles.

The motor mount broke at 50,000 miles.

The car has a seemingly unrepairable misfire, but it does not affect the performance or gas mileage.

General Comments:

This is an awesome car if you want cheap performance.

Although it has been driven like a race car for 60,000 miles it runs very well.

When taking this vehicle to the Chrysler Service Department, please keep an eye on the mechanics. I have had problems with the local dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2003

1997 Dodge Neon 2.0 SOHC

Summary:

A good car to go to work/school in

Faults:

My head gasket blew at about 92,000 miles, took it to the dealer and they fixed it for about $700.

Also had the timing belt changed while they had everything apart, I would suggest this because if it goes a week later (which you never know, it could) it's another $500-700.

A little sluggish on acceleration, but not bad for a 2.0L.

Waiting for the clutch to go, but no signs yet at nearly 120,000 miles, but I am prepared for it.

I did dent my left front fender in a snow storm, but the part is cheap ($35) and it looks like there are only 3 bolts, should be an easy fix.

Some signs of rust on front lip of hood, that is expected from Michigan winters though.

General Comments:

Bought the car cheap off my neighbor.

Do all the maintenance on my own, well except for the head gasket, got half way though and couldn't pull a gear off, but otherwise a very easy car to work on. I can do a complete front brake job in less than 30 minutes if I have the pads and rotors ready to go.

The manual transmission is very fun to drive and very forgiving.

Excellent gas mileage, I have gotten almost 40 mpg on the freeway before.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2003